Austin – New analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows that nearly 60 percent of uninsured, low-wage Texans are working. Despite being employed, these Texans lack health insurance coverage because their employers do not offer it as an employee benefit or it is unaffordable.

More than one million Texans have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid coverage but too low to qualify for subsidized private health insurance through the federally run health insurance marketplace.

“A Texas coverage solution that uses federal funds to bring hardworking Texans into the private insurance market is fiscally responsible public policy,” said Ted Shaw, president/CEO of the Texas Hospital Association. “Providing access to coverage that demands personal responsibility and accountability will promote a healthier workforce and a healthier economy.”

Analysis of Census data from Families USA, a nonpartisan consumer advocacy organization, finds that 58 percent of these uninsured individuals are in the workforce, while 24 percent are not because they are students, have a disability or are a caretaker of young children or a family member with a disability. The nearly 846,000 working but uninsured Texans are in industries vital to the state’s robust economy. These include sales, food services, office support and construction.

About the THA

Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 369,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter @texashospitals.